Rural Ministries Network/Political

Political Action
Canadian Church/Farm Policy Push/National Catholic Rural Life Conference Bulletin

To: Diocesan Rural Life and Peace and Justice Offices, State Catholic Conferences, Religious Communities, Campus Ministers, and É

CALL SENATORS NOW REGARDING WATER PRIVATIZATION The Water Infrastructure Financing Act (S.1400) will be presented for marke up in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works July 20. It requires "restructuring" of public utilities and opens the door for private water companies to access public funds. If your Senator is on the Committee on Environment and Public Works (see http://epw.senate.gov/members/members.htm), call now and ask them to:
* oppose restructuring requirements, which include requirements to privatize and develop public-private partnerships (sec. 107 (1) (A) (ii)),
* oppose funds for private utilities and corporations (sec. 103 (8) (A)),
* support an increase for state revolving funds for water and wastewater in order to fund critical infrastructure investments, and
* support the proposal to establish a trust fund for water and wastewater infrastructure.

For more about water privatization and Catholic thought, visit: http://www.ncrlc.com/water_commons.html.

For more about the bill, visit (http://www.citizen.org/cmep/Water/congress/articles.cfm?ID=13732)

Read the Water Infrastructure Financing Act (s.1400) ( http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:S.1400:)

-----------------------------------------

TALK TO REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT CAFTA
We understand that plans are still to consider the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) before the August recess. Reportedly, a majority of House members oppose CAFTA while a large bloc remains uncommitted. CAFTA, a proposed trade agreement between the US, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua would allow for virtually unobstructed trade between these countries by lifting "barriers" such as labor, environmental, and human rights protections. Among the many risks posed by CAFTA are massive threats to food security if large agribusinesses are allowed to flood medium-scale and small-scale farmers out of business and to control the prices of consumer goods. To lessen the influence of the White House efforts to swing votes to favor CAFTA, we urge you to call, if you havenÕt already done so, your representative in Washington asking her/him to reject CAFTA! Call your Representative at (202) 224-3121. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services suggest you contact your representative and ask them to reply to the following questions. How will CAFTA address the needs of small and medium-sized farms in the U.S. and Central America? How will CAFTA protect the rights of workers and the environment? How will people have a say in how CAFTA impacts their lives? How will CAFTAÕs intellectual property provisions impact the poor? How will CAFTA promote integral human development, especially of the poor?

For more, visit http://www.ncrlc.com/CAFTA_frontpage.html http://capwiz.com/catholicrelief/issues/alert/?alertid=7828706& http://www.foodfirst.org/stopcafta
http://www.citizenstrade.org/

Canadian church pressures oil company on climate change

(ENI) A Canadian ecumenical campaign is targeting one of Canada's biggest oil companies which is opposed to a major United Nations agreement on climate change.

Representatives of the campaign, including Lois Wilson, a former president of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and former moderator of the United Church of Canada (UCC), took part in the shareholders' meeting of Imperial Oil, one of Canada's biggest integrated petroleum companies. Imperial Oil opposes the Kyoto Protocol, a UN agreement under which Canada would have to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6 per cent below 1990 levels.

The ecumenical campaign spearheaded by Kairos, a social justice coalition formed by Canada's main churches, is calling on the Canadian government to ratify and implement the agreement. The Kyoto Protocol was agreed at Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997. To come into force it requires ratification by at least 55 signatory states. Many key signatory states, including Canada, the United States and Japan, have still to ratify the agreement.

An Imperial Oil spokesman said the Kyoto Protocol was "an unworkable and inappropriate public policy response to an important and complex issue, which if implemented would do little to reduce greenhouse gases yet do substantial economic harm to both developed and developing countries."

Clergy well-being a priority in Canada

(Anglican Journal) The enormous changes in Canadian society over the past several decades have put clergy under more physical and mental stress than ever and the church is seeking ways to improve and support clergy and staff well-being, according to a consultant working for the Anglican Church in Canada.

Women have moved into the working world and into the ranks of the ordained, so two-career couples among clergy are becoming more common, leaving clergy families to deal with childcare and time-management issues.

The same trend among parishioners means that the rector's hours aren't nine to five since many parish meetings must be held in the evening when people are off work. "In addition to finances, pastoral care and liturgy and some social work there is now screening of volunteers, consideration of legal issues and shifting demographics," said Eileen Scully, ministry and worship consultant with General Synod's faith, worship and ministry committee.

"Every profession has its stresses. Ordained ministry comes with particular stresses and there is increased stress on clergy from a variety of angles," she noted.

Last summer, General Synod identified clergy well-being as a top priority. Bishop Fred Hiltz, of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, is leading a Council of General Synod (COGS) task force that is looking at ways to improve and support clergy and staff well-being.

General Synod's pension committee has told COGS several times that it is concerned about the number of long-term disability claims received in recent years. At the November 2001 COGS meeting, a report from the pension committee said that the number of claims in force as of September 30, 2001 is 59 and of that number 37 per cent "are of a psychological nature." (There are approximately 2,100 active members and 1,900 retired people covered by the pension plan.)

"Previous studies have shown that the first five years of ordained ministry are a critical time and that new clergy need mentoring and support," said Scully. The committee also discussed the existing system. "We need to do some diagnosis of the state of health of the church and all who minister," Scully said. "What do we expect as a system of those who minister? Do we put too much stress on the clergy? Too much stress on the bishop?"

Top

Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 15:00:09 -0600

Push for farm policy that works for a safe and abundant food supply, independent farmers, and rural communities

The Farm Bill that will direct federal agricultural policy and programs for at least the next five years is nearing completion. The House passed its Farm Bill in September, and the Senate finished work on its bill in mid-February. The bills have many differences.

Now the Farm Bill is in Conference Committee - a panel of U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives that will craft the two versions into a single bill. Upon re-approval by the House and Senate, the bill goes to President Bush.

This is a critical juncture! The Conference Committee decides what provisions "make it" and which ones are excluded:

Action needed: Call or fax your Senators and Representative --Ask conferees (members of the Conference Committee) to preserve those elements that help ensure a safe and abundant food supply, fair competition for independent farmers, revitalized rural communities and assistance to the nation's poorest. --Ask Representatives and Senators who are not conferees to support such farm policy and communicate those sentiments to their colleagues on the conference committee.

What to ask for:
SUPPORT THE FULL SENATE CONSERVATION TITLE
While retaining the best programs of current farm policy, the Conservation Title in the Senate Farm Bill introduces a new paradigm by rewarding good stewardship for working lands, regardless of the type of farming or ranching.

SUPPORT PRO-COMPETITION AND ANTI-CONCENTRATION MEASURES
Today's agricultural marketplace increasingly pits small- and mid-size growers against agribusiness behemoths. The match up produces a lopsided power dynamic in bargaining and contracting that actually stifles fair competition. Faced with fewer outlets for their grain, livestock, fiber and other produce, smaller and ranchers and farmers are at a great disadvantage
when it comes to selling. The Senate Farm Bill contains several important measures that will help independent growers to compete:
--The Ban on Packer Ownership
--Prohibition on Forced Arbitration Clauses
--Limited Prohibition on Confidentiality Clauses and Increased authority for
the Grain Inspectors, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) over
Production Contracts

SUPPORT PAYMENT LIMITATIONS
Inequities exist in the current farm-support programs, with the biggest 7 percent of farms receiving 45 percent of the money. The Senate's payment limitation provision closes loopholes and establishes an annual payment cap of $275,000 per farm. Closing loopholes is imperative, and the $275,000 provides a good starting point for discussion of fair payment caps for each crop.

SUPPORT NUTRITION FUNDING
The Senate Nutrition Title calls for $8.9 billion for nutrition programs -- including food stamps, WIC and more -- compared with $3.6 billion in the House Nutrition Title. Moreover, the Senate title restores Food Stamps for legal immigrants.

The Conferees and their fax numbers:
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-IA (202-224-9369)
Sen. Richard Lugar, R-IN (202-228-0360)
Sen. Tom Daschle, D-SD (202-224-7895)
Sen. Jesse Helms, R-NC (202-228-1339)
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-VT (202-224-3479)
Sen. Thad Cochran, R-MS (202-224-9450)
Sen. Kent Conrad, D-ND (202-224-7776)

Rep. Larry Combest, R-TX (202-225-9615)
Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-TX (202-225-2234)
Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK (202-225-8698)
Rep. John Boehner, R-OH (202-225-0704)
Rep. Gary Condit, D-CA (202-225-0819)
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-VA (202-225-9681)
Rep. Collin Peterson, D-MN (202-225-1593)
Rep. Saxby Chambliss, R-GA (202-225-3013)
Rep. Calvin Dooley, D-CA (202-225-9308)
Rep. Richard Pombo, R-CA (202-226-0861)
Rep. Tim Holden, D-PA (202-226-0996)
Rep. Jerry Moran, R-KS (202-225-5124)
Rep. Eva Clayton, D-NC (202-225-3354)
Rep. Terry Everett, R-AL (202-225-8913)

Call and/or Fax Your Senators and Representative TODAY! Here's how.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senators and Representative by name. Ask to speak with the legislative aide who handles agriculture. If you get voice mail, identify yourself and leave a brief message.

If you call, refer to the provisions in simple, plain language. Ask conferees to support the measures in Conference Committee. Ask non-conferees to convey support for these measures to their colleagues on the Conference Committee.
--Support the full Senate conservation title
--Support pro-competition and anti-concentration measures in the Senate bill, namely the Ban on Packer Ownership, the Prohibition on Forced Arbitration Clauses and the Limited Prohibition on Confidentiality Clauses and Increased GIPSA Authority over Production Contracts.
--Support Payment Limitation provisions in the Senate bill: Most important is closing loopholes. The $275,000 cap is a good starting point.
--Support nutrition programs, funded at $8.9 billion in the Senate bill, which also increases eligibility.

If you fax, see the sample letters below. DO NOT send them by regular mail. Because of the anthrax scare, mail delivery is much slower and less dependable.

FOR THE NAME AND FAX NUMBER of your Senators and Representative, go to www.loga.org, and click on "Guide to Congress" in the LOGA Action Center section of the homepage.

Why should we care?
Record low farm prices have driven hundreds of thousands of independent farmers out of business in recent years. At the same time, agriculture has been concentrating into fewer, ever-larger corporate hands. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has long been distressed by these dual, related trends. Through numerous statements and calls for action, Lutherans have chosen to pray for, stand with and advocate on behalf of family farmers and ranchers. The ELCA has given tens of thousands of dollars in food assistance and other relief, stress counseling, transition assistance, pastoral care,
advocacy and other needs. The church is moved by the pain of economic dislocation in the lives of families and communities, but our concerns go far deeper. The changes that hurt independent farmers simultaneously raise serious concerns over food safety and security. The food supply needed for God's hungry people is strongest when it is produced by a broad diversity of growers who provide healthy, safe food while safeguarding the land for future harvests.

Sample fax letters (one for conferees, one for non-conferees) - Use them in their entirety or in part

FOR CONFEREES:

The Hon. (Your U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative's name)
United States Senate (House of Representatives)
Washington, DC

Dear Senator XXXXXX (or Congressman/woman XXXXXXX):

As a person of faith (mention your congregation or church office title) and
a constituent worried about the future of agriculture and nutrition
programs, I ask you to work in Conference Committee for programs and
policies that would that help ensure a safe food supply, fair competition
for independent farmers and prosperous rural communities.

As the economic crisis in agricultural America has deepened in recent years,
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has been working to assist
families and communities in crisis, and our concerns go far deeper. The
changes that hurt independent farmers simultaneously raise serious concerns
over food safety and security. The food supply needed for God's hungry
people is strongest when it is produced by a broad diversity of growers who
provide healthy, safe food while safeguarding the land for future harvests.

As a Farm Bill conferee, you are in a position to make a significant
contribution. I ask you to:

Support the full Senate Conservation Title, which retains the best programs
of current farm policy while introducing a new paradigm by rewarding good
stewardship for working lands, regardless of the type of farming or
ranching.

Support Pro-Competition and Anti-Concentration Measures to bring fairness
and equity into the agricultural marketplace, where today small- and
mid-size growers face daunting disadvantages going head-to-head with big
corporations. The measures included in the Senate bill are:
--The Ban on Packer Ownership
--Prohibition on Forced Arbitration Clauses
--Limited Prohibition on Confidentiality Clauses and Increased GIPSA
Authority over Production Contracts

Support Payment Limitations in the Senate bill that help correct inequities
in farm programs. Closing loopholes is the most important provision, and the
$275,000 per-farm, per-year limit on payments provides a good starting point
for discussion of fair payment caps for each crop.

Support Nutrition Funding and provisions in the Senate bill: $8.9 billion
plus greater eligibility.

Sincerely,

Your Name (Be sure to sign the letter and include your address)

FOR NON-CONFEREES:

The Hon. (Your U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative's name)
United States Senate (House of Representatives)
Washington, DC

Dear Senator XXXXXX (or Congressman/woman XXXXXXX):

As a person of faith (mention your congregation or church office title) and
a constituent worried about the future of agriculture and nutrition
programs, I request you to please ask your colleagues now at work in the
Farm Bill Conference Committee to work for programs and policies that would
that help ensure a safe food supply, fair competition for independent
farmers and prosperous rural communities.

Please ask your colleagues on the Conference Committee to work for measures
that will assist farmers, communities and poor people across America,
including:

Support Nutrition Funding and provisions in the Senate bill: $8.9 billion
plus greater eligibility.

Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,

Your Name (Be sure to sign the letter and include your address)

Find more background, resources, links and sample letters concerning ELCA advocacy efforts in the Farm Bill. Go to www.loga.org, then click on "Farm Bill Advocacy." Comments? Questions? Email Rob Blezard, rblezard@elca.org

Top